Gender Equality Committee to discuss Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence with representatives from the Rape Crisis Centre and Women’s Aid

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House between 09:30-13:30.

The following representatives are due to address the meeting:

• CEO of Women’s Aid – Sarah Benson
  CEO of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – Noeline Blackwell
  Policy Manager of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre – Shirley Scott
  Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Centre – Dr Clíona Saidléar

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Ivana Bacik said: “The Committee looks forward to continuing our discussions on recommendations 37-41 of the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality regarding domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV).”

 “The Citizens’ Assembly has been clear and unequivocal in its recommendations and what needs to be done to build a society free from DSGBV. In an open letter to the Oireachtas they stated: “There is no place in our society for gender-based violence. We support the aspiration of the Istanbul Convention to create a Europe free from violence against women and all forms of domestic violence. We want our Government to work actively towards this goal.”

“Promoting public awareness of the impact and harm caused by DSGBV and ensuring there are sufficiently funded public spaces provided for victims/survivors of such abuse are among the topics we will discuss.”

Watch the Committee live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.